Footlights

Imagine seeing your child on stage or screen!

Footlights is is Perform Australia's acting program for 10-13 year-olds. Our weekly acting classes are available across Canberra and Queanbeyan.

In a theatre, the "footlights" are set at the base of the stage to illuminate actors from below... so this program is all about giving your child the chance to shine!

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How it works

In Footlights, you'll learn essential acting skills, including:

Line-learning
Analysing scripts for clues about your character
Creating and embodying your role
Using your voice more effectively
Sourcing props and costumes
Improvisation skills
and so much more!

Each term we explore different aspects of acting, usually with a performance outcome at the end of each term which is performed in the location where the class takes place - EXCEPT for the term of our major performance, where go to a theatre and have a gala performance!

Yes, that means you'll get to act under lights and sound, experience backstage life, and learn all about what happens in a theatre.

The Footlights Program - 2026

We are “Going Big” at Perform Australia in 2026

Going Big is about helping young performers step fully into their voice, body and imagination. Across all age groups, our drama program encourages students to make bold choices — physically, emotionally and theatrically — so their stories are clear, confident and engaging for an audience. We focus on expressive movement, truthful emotional connection and fearless performance, balancing fun with strong acting technique. By learning when and how to “go big”, students build presence, confidence and creativity, developing the skills to perform with clarity, commitment and joy both on stage and beyond.

Term 1

Going Big: Less Talk, More Action

This term focuses on physical acting and expressive movement. Students explore gesture, mime, spatial awareness and body language to communicate clearly without relying solely on words.

Through dynamic exercises and scene work, they learn to make bold physical choices, build stage presence and move with confidence. The focus is on freeing the body, committing fully, and telling stories through action.

Performance:

In-class demonstration for family at the end of the term.

TERM 2

Going Big: Thought Into Action

Actors explore the vital link between what a character is thinking and what the audience sees. Through scene work, improvisation and character exercises, students learn how inner thoughts drive physical and vocal choices.

This term strengthens clarity, emotional truth and intention, helping performers avoid “flat” acting and instead communicate meaning clearly and confidently on stage.

Performance:

In-class scene presentation

TERM 3

Performathon

Live Performance On Stage at the Perform Australia Theatre in Tuggeranong

"Performathon" is our annual festival of live performance, where all our classes perform on stage in a real theatre! This term, students are cast in and rehearse a short play, exploring how to bring stories to life in stage performance.

It's a fantastic way to apply the skills they've been learning all year, plus experience the excitement of preparing costumes, waiting backstage, performing under lights, and hearing the applause at the end of the performance!

Performance:

14-19 September

Perform Australia Theatre, Reed St N, Tuggeranong

TERM 4

Going Big: Larger Than Life

This term explores heightened performance through melodrama and pantomime. Students work with bold characters, clear storytelling and exaggerated emotional expression.

Focusing on comic timing, physicality and audience awareness, Footlights students learn how to perform big without losing control or clarity. It’s playful, challenging, and a great way to build confidence and theatrical skill.

Performance:

In-class scene work presentation at the end of the term

What happens in an acting class?

If you've never been a part of an acting class before, here's what you can expect, week to week. Every week includes different educational content designed by professional actors and educators.

CHECK-IN

We begin with connection - checking in with the kids to see how they're going. This helps take the temperature of the room, as well as build friendships within the group.

WARM-UP

Like athletes, actors warm up their voice and body. We spend a few minutes preparing for the work we're about to do. Sometimes it may also involve an energiser game.

TECHNIQUE

Here students focus on the key learning for the day - it might be theory, a technique, or a performance skill to practice. This usually involves workshopping it.

SCRIPT WORK/
REHEARSAL

Depending their age and reading ability, students will often move to apply their learning to a script, either a small in-class script, or one they're preparing for public performance.

Some reasons why drama is great for 10-13 year-olds

It’s our belief that participation in dramatic art is hugely beneficial to children. In this age group, students are rapidly developing their sense of self - but also, their self-consciousness. Acting classes are a great way to let some of their inhibitions go - by participating in drama games and exercises, they build self-confidence in front of others, and with others.

In acting we speak of 'the ensemble' - the team of actors you're working with. Between age 10-13, kids increasingly value their peer relationships and it's important they learn how to work with others. Being part of an ensemble, students learn to listen, build rapport with, and respond to their fellow actors in the context of rehearsal and performance. Acting classes help kids practice skills that are transferrable to every other area of life and relationships. And how great is it to give them this gift at this age!

What parents say about our drama classes

From Emily

“My daughter Sophie absolutely loves being a part of the Perform Australia family! The classes have helped her with confidence in front of others, and allowed her to feel comfortable in expressing herself in a fun and supportive environment. Soph would love to be an actress and finds lots of inspiration in her classes from both her teacher and peers!"

From Rebecca

"Savannah joined Perform Australia at the start of this year and loves it. As a shy girl, Perform Australia classes have helped her become more confident and comfortable speaking in front of others, it has also helped her to express herself by bringing her out of her comfort zone."